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As the year winds down and we prepare to welcome winter, November is the perfect time for homeowners to tackle essential maintenance tasks. Whether you're a buyer looking to ensure your new investment is in top shape, a seller wanting to make your home more appealing, or simply someone who takes pride in maintaining their property, these November home maintenance tips will help keep your home in optimal condition. Buyers: Protecting Your New Investment For those who have recently purchased a home, it's crucial to start on the right foot with proactive maintenance. Begin by inspecting your heating system. With colder weather approaching, you'll want to ensure that your furnace or heat pump is functioning efficiently. Replace filters and consider having a professional HVAC technician conduct a thorough inspection. Next, check for drafts around windows and doors. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal any gaps that could let cold air in and drive up your heating costs. Additionally, clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage from autumn leaves and debris. Don't forget the exterior! Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles and clear any debris that may have accumulated. This will help prevent leaks and ice dams during winter storms. Sellers: Boosting Your Home's Appeal If you're planning to sell your home soon, November is an excellent time to enhance its curb appeal and overall condition. Start by giving the exterior a fresh look. Clean up along driveways, walkways or anywhere that may have collected leaves or snow. Inside, focus on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Clean carpets, polish hardwood floors, and touch up paint where needed. Ensure that all lighting fixtures are working correctly; bright spaces feel more welcoming. One of the most critical areas for sellers is the kitchen. Deep clean appliances, countertops, and cabinets. Consider updating hardware or adding a fresh coat of paint to cabinets for a modern touch. Lifestyle: Ensuring Comfort Through Winter Home maintenance isn't just about keeping things functional; it's also about enhancing your lifestyle by ensuring comfort throughout the colder months. Start by reversing ceiling fans to clockwise rotation to push warm air down into living spaces. Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working correctly—replace batteries if needed. This small step can provide peace of mind during the holiday season when fireplaces and heaters are often in use. Another lifestyle-enhancing tip is to service your fireplace or wood stove. Have chimneys cleaned by a professional to remove creosote buildup, which can be a fire hazard. Stock up on firewood or pellets so you're ready for cozy nights by the fire. Finally, take some time for seasonal décor! Adding festive touches like wreaths, string lights, or seasonal plants can make your home feel even more inviting during this special time of year. General Maintenance Tips Regardless of whether you're buying, selling, or simply maintaining your home for comfort, there are several general maintenance tasks every homeowner should complete in November: - Drain outdoor faucets and store hoses to prevent freezing. - Test sump pumps to avoid basement flooding. - Inspect insulation in attics and basements. - Prune trees and shrubs away from the house. - Clean out dryer vents to reduce fire risk. - Check emergency supplies (flashlights, batteries) in case of power outages. By taking care of these tasks now, you can enjoy a worry-free winter season knowing that your home is well-prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws its way. In conclusion, November is an ideal month for homeowners to focus on essential maintenance tasks that protect their investment, enhance their home's appeal if they're selling, and ensure comfort throughout the winter months. By following these tips tailored for buyers, sellers, and lifestyle enthusiasts alike, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a safe and cozy home this season.

As the golden hues of autumn leaves begin to blanket our neighborhoods, October becomes the perfect month to tackle some essential home maintenance tasks. Not only does this ensure your home remains in tip-top shape, but it also prepares you for the colder months ahead. Here’s a comprehensive list of home maintenance tips to help you get started. Inspect and Clean Gutters Falling leaves can quickly clog your gutters, leading to water damage and other costly repairs. Make it a priority to clean out your gutters and downspouts. Ensure they are securely attached and free from any blockages that could prevent water from draining properly. Check Your Heating System Before the chill of winter sets in, have your heating system inspected by a professional. Replace filters, check for any leaks or issues, and make sure everything is running efficiently. This not only ensures your comfort but also helps in reducing energy bills. Seal Windows and Doors Drafts can significantly increase your heating costs and make your home less comfortable. Inspect windows and doors for any gaps or cracks and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. This simple task can make a big difference in maintaining a cozy indoor environment. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors With the increased use of heating systems, fireplaces, and holiday lights, it's crucial to ensure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly. Test each unit and replace batteries if needed. Safety should always be a top priority. Prepare Your Lawn and Garden October is an excellent time to give some attention to your lawn and garden before winter arrives. Rake up fallen leaves, trim back any overgrown plants, and consider planting bulbs for spring flowers. Also, drain garden hoses and store them away to prevent freezing. Inspect Your Roof Take advantage of the mild weather to inspect your roof for any missing or damaged shingles that could lead to leaks during winter storms. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, hire a professional to conduct a thorough inspection. Clean Chimneys and Fireplaces If you plan on using your fireplace during the colder months, now is the time to have it cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep. This helps prevent chimney fires and ensures that your fireplace operates safely. Service Outdoor Equipment Before storing away outdoor equipment like lawnmowers, leaf blowers, or garden tools, give them a good cleaning and perform any necessary maintenance. This will extend their lifespan and ensure they're ready for use next year. Check Insulation Proper insulation is key to keeping your home warm during the winter months while also saving on energy costs. Check attic insulation levels and add more if needed. Also, inspect areas around pipes or ducts where heat might escape. Stock Up on Winter Supplies Lastly, prepare for winter by stocking up on essential supplies such as ice melt, snow shovels, or even firewood if you use a wood-burning stove or fireplace. Having these items ready can save you from scrambling during the first snowfall. By following these October home maintenance tips, you can enjoy the beauty of fall while ensuring that your home remains safe, efficient, and ready for whatever winter may bring. Taking proactive steps now will not only protect your investment but also enhance your lifestyle by providing peace of mind throughout the colder months ahead. Happy autumn!

As of August 17, 2024, many real estate professionals nationwide will be asking buyers to enter into a written agreement prior to touring a home. But what if you are just attending an open house? Here's what you should know:   I am attending an open house without an agent. Do I need a written buyer agreement in order to tour the home? No. If you are simply visiting an open house on your own or asking a real estate professional about their services, you do not need to sign a written buyer agreement.   Is an agent who is hosting an open house required to enter into written agreements with the potential buyers who attend the open house? No. In this case, since the agent is only there at the direction of the listing broker or seller, the agent is not required to have a written agreement with the buyers touring the home.    When will I be asked to sign an agreement with an agent? After you begin "working with" an agent and at any point before you tour your first house together.   What does "working with" an agent mean? A buyer is "working with" an agent as soon as the agent begins to provide services, such as identifying potential properties and arranging tours. Agents who are simply marketing their services or speaking to a buyer—at an open house or by provided a buyer access to a house they have listed—are not considered to be working with the buyer.   What does it mean to "tour" a home? Under the terms of the settlement, a "tour" is when a buyer who is working with an agent enters a home that is for sale or directs their agent to enter the home on their behalf. This includes when the buyer's agent provides a live, virtual tour to a buyer not physically present.   What is the purpose of the written buyer agreements? Clarity and transparency. Written buyer agreements lay out the services your real estate professional will provide and what they will be paid. Buyers should not sign anything that includes terms they do not agree with or do not understand. You are in the driver's seat with these agreements, which are fully negotiable.    Where can I learn more about buyer agreements? NAR has created a dedicated resource on written buyer agreements here.    Please visit facts.realtor for more information and resources, and consult with your real estate professional about state law when purchasing a home in Alaska. This article was originally published by the National Association of REALTORS®.